Quick answer: It’s the story of a desperate hunt for oxygen.
A blog about managing CTEPHChronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension CTEPH is short for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, a rare form of high blood pressure in the lungs caused by blood clots or narrowed blood vessels. High blood pressure in the lungs is often also called pulmonary hypertension., disease information, treatment options, and suggestions for clinicians based on my experience.
How it started
I thought about starting this blog after my second balloon pulmonary angioplastyBalloon Pulmonary Angioplasty Balloon pulmonary angioplasty, or BPA for short, is a technique for widening narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the lungs of CTEPH patients. Small balloons attached to a catheter restore blood flow to areas of the lungs that do not receive blood due to the disease. When successful, BPA eliminates or reduces shortness of breath, increases exercise tolerance and quality of life, and extends life expectancy. (BPABalloon Pulmonary Angioplasty Balloon pulmonary angioplasty, or BPA for short, is a technique for widening narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the lungs of CTEPH patients. Small balloons attached to a catheter restore blood flow to areas of the lungs that do not receive blood due to the disease. When successful, BPA eliminates or reduces shortness of breath, increases exercise tolerance and quality of life, and extends life expectancy.) session back in October 2022. From my perspective as a patient, I was deeply impressed by the simplicity and elegance of this treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertensionChronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension CTEPH is short for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, a rare form of high blood pressure in the lungs caused by blood clots or narrowed blood vessels. High blood pressure in the lungs is often also called pulmonary hypertension. (CTEPH). I was completely hooked and knew I had to share my experience to help others in a similar situation manage their disease.
Read about my second BPA procedure here.
Don’t Be Fooled By The Title
Now, don’t let the title easyBPA fool you. Even with mildly invasive medical procedures like BPA, risks are always involved.
I was fortunate to be treated by one of the world’s top experts in this field, Dr. Hiromi Matsubara, PhD, who helped pioneer modern BPA. His skills, experience, and knowledge minimize the risks and make the procedures an absolute joy.
A Desperate Hunt for Oxygen
EasyBPA is the story of my most recent challenge: an attempt to dodge premature death—I was given 3 to 5 years to live. It’s about my adventures at Okayama Medical Center (OMC), Japan, a world-class center for CTEPH, and it’s about the events and circumstances that brought me there, my desperate search for treatment.
My journey was sometimes complicated and challenging. Ultimately, I found myself at the OMC on a stretcher, a catheter in my femoral vein, and doctors inflating small balloons in my lungs.
Why EASY BPA?
Showing a way out
easyBPA can be a great resource for anyone going through a similar situation. Knowing that there’s a potential solution can be really uplifting. It definitely helped me a lot!
You can do this! Remember, you’re not alone. I understand your struggles and am here to offer support and encouragement to help you overcome these challenges.
Educating patients
Educating patients about CTEPH is crucial. I am committed to giving patients the knowledge they need to manage their condition and be proactive when talking to their doctors.
Let the doctors know about it.
Doctors should routinely consider CTEPH as a possible cause of breathlessness and be aware of modern BPA treatment as a potential cure.
CTEPH is often misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific symptoms, such as breathlessness and exercise intolerance. Yet, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimize damage to the right ventricle and improve outcomes.
BPA has evolved to be a safe treatment option for CTEPH, and concerns about its high risks are unfounded and outdated—as with any medical treatment, results vary between individuals, and there are always risks.
To Sum it UP
easyBPA is a blog where I share my personal journey dealing with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and my experience with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA).
The blog emphasizes the importance of educating patients and physicians about this condition and encouraging them to consider CTEPH as a possible cause of shortness of breath and exercise limitation. I also highlight the safety and efficacy of modern BPA as a viable treatment option. Ultimately, easyBPA aims to provide hope and resources for those facing similar challenges.
Sincerely,
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have comments or questions about my experience with BPA or CTEPH.